I think mesa will win the contract but i think there is more to this agreement then meets the eye. I do know xjt had a bid in for the flying as well and mesa was cheaper. I think the reason mesa is willing to go in so cheap is because they are about to be acquired by a very large regional and the economies of scale with the now larger operation make it possible.

Food for thought: The new union voting laws will make unionizing very easy. Certain regionals cant fight it any longer.